Today, Lean and Six Sigma, both of which Rath & Strong pioneered, are recognized as major creators of business value. Because of Lean and Six Sigma, quality became exciting again. What was new was that the tools and methodologies that were created and improved over the last century were used in a rigorous, fact-based, comprehensive, and structured way driven by the CEO, achieving profound results. Even the financial analysts finally understand that it wasn’t just technology that drove productivity improvements in the United States during the 1990s; it was quality improvements through implementation of Six Sigma and Lean methodologies that helped transform some of our largest and most prestigious companies.

In the next stage, leading organizations will leverage Lean and Six Sigma as sources of innovation and organic growth. In fact, process innovation may be even more important for building competitive advantage and generating growth than any “big bang” innovation, as new sources of innovation emerge from global relationships and networks.

The massive power of Asia’s giants is changing the global game. Ironically, both the West and Asian economies are at the same point: if they don’t innovate, they won’t continue to prosper. Countries are moving up the Value Chain at a rapidity never before seen. The benefits are great, and so are the disruptions. The consensus is the US must continue to invent new industries to stay ahead, and evolve with partners in the new global economic order. China and Indian must deal with banking system, financial processes, infrastructure, and other instabilities to secure their futures. The changes and the challenges are seismic.

Rigor and investment are required to generate, capture, develop, and qualify new ideas.

Our long experience has proven that change that sticks requires a multi-dimensional approach that leverages the linkages between culture, customer, process, and leadership. Cross-functional and cross-boundary process improvement creates a highly fertile environment for cross-fertilization and unleashes energy that reaps big returns. The bottom line is that we achieve results with our clients, not just for today but so that they can independently carry forward the benefits of their work with us. Rath & Strong is uniquely positioned through its history of leadership and innovation, and as the leading global provider of world-class Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma solutions today, to help leaders capitalize on the next stages of change.

Daniel L. Quinn
President and CEO
Aon Management Consulting/Rath & Strong

Dan Quinn
President and Chief Executive Officer